Natural Gas Laws By State

If there is one thing our team at DeNova Detect is passionate about, it’s natural gas detection. When left unmonitored, natural gas leaks can occur without your knowledge and leave you, your home, and your loved ones at risk for potentially disastrous consequences such as a deadly natural gas explosion. But, no need to worry—with the proper detection, natural gas can be used safely as a power and heating source in your home.

But, surprisingly, many states do not require this detection technology, leading to deadly emergencies. As tragic incidents unfold across various U.S. states, local representatives are advocating for legislation mandating the installation of natural gas alarms in all homes utilizing natural gas in any capacity. From trailblazing states to those states still navigating through pending legislation, we will give you a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of the ever-evolving natural gas regulations across the United States.

Why Is Legislation So Important?

Minor gas leaks can continue undetected and unrepaired for extended periods, eventually resulting in catastrophic and often fatal emergencies. Legislation requiring the installation and regulation of natural gas alarms in homes and buildings that use natural gas for heat and appliances is important in safeguarding the lives and property of your community. By requiring detection technology, these leaks will no longer go unnoticed and lead to extreme—and often deadly—incidents.

Maine Sets the Bar High

Maine set a precedent in 2022 by becoming the first state to mandate natural gas alarms in residential buildings, prompted by a devastating gas explosion that claimed the life of a Farmington firefighter and injured five others. Recognizing the potential risks associated with unmonitored natural gas, legislators have implemented stringent regulations emphasizing prevention, detection, and response mechanisms. Maine's commitment to the safety of its residents sets a commendable standard for other states, showcasing the efficacy of a proactive approach to natural gas management.

Seven other states, including Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, have pending legislation to mandate these natural gas alarms. Several of these states have experienced natural gas explosions, such as this incident in Illinois in 2023 that destroyed one home and damaged 10 others. While it is regrettable that legislative action for gas safety often follows the loss of lives, we appreciate these states taking positive strides forward.

Explosions and accidents serve as sobering reminders of the urgent need for comprehensive legislation. Despite these alarming incidents, some states have yet to fully respond with regulations addressing the root causes and preventing future catastrophes. In this transitional phase, natural gas detection technology, like our DeNova Detect Natural Gas Alarms, plays a pivotal role. These tools allow states to align their pending legislation with cutting-edge detection and prevention mechanisms. By seamlessly integrating such technologies into their evolving frameworks, states can ensure that their safety measures are not only robust but also future-proof.

Where We Stand

Here is the current status of natural gas alarm legislation by each state:

• Maine – PASSED; “Requires at least one approved natural gas detector in every room containing an appliance fueled by natural gas.” (2022)
• New York City – PASSED; “Natural gas alarms shall be provided and installed in accordance with section 908.10 of the New York City building code on or before May 1 of the first year that commences after the department, by rule, establishes or adopts a standard governing the installation and location of natural gas alarms.” (2016) Full compliance required by May 1, 2025

Pending Legislation

• Connecticut – PENDING; “To require all structures that use combustible gas to be equipped with a gas leak detector.” (2025)
• Illinois – PENDING; “Requires the installation of a fuel gas detector and alarm in certain buildings.” (2025)
• Massachusetts – PENDING; “Every dwelling, building or structure, including those owned or operated by the commonwealth, occupied in whole or in part for residential or commercial purposes, that contains equipment including, but not limited to, a furnace, boiler, water heater, fireplace or any other apparatus, appliance or device that burns an explosive gas shall be equipped by the owner with a working, approved fuel gas alarm/detector in conformance with the requirements of the board of fire prevention regulations.” (2025)
• New Jersey – PENDING; “Requires explosive gas detectors to be installed in certain residential properties.” (2024)
• New York – PENDING; “Requires that all temporary and permanent dwellings in the state shall install an operable combustible gas detector that wirelessly connects to the gas company; requires gas companies to release an annual report of the frequency of gas leaks by county.” (2023)
• Pennsylvania – PENDING; “Beginning January 1, 2026, an owner of a building with any of the following occupancy classifications shall install, or cause to be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements, at least one approved fuel gas detector in every room containing an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas or any liquefied petroleum gas.” (2025)
• Tennessee – PENDING; “This bill enacts the 'Fuel Gas Detector Act,' which requires the installation or provision of fuel gas monitors in various types of residential buildings that are rented or leased.” (2023)

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

DeNova Detect Natural Gas Alarms

The current NFPA 715 standard advises placing natural gas alarms within 12 inches of the ceiling in every room with gas appliances, which includes areas with cooking appliances, dryers, water heaters, furnaces, and gas fireplaces. As a leading provider of battery-powered residential natural gas alarms in the U.S., DeNova Detect aids homeowners in adhering to local laws and standards through the cordless design of our alarms. This design facilitates placement near the ceiling, where natural gas ascends and accumulates, ensuring optimal detection for families.

DeNova Detect builds relationships with local fire departments to educate civilians on the dangers of natural gas explosions and provide them with the necessary equipment to prevent these emergencies. In collaboration with the Chicago Fire Department and the Survive Alive House, we supplied life-saving alarm technology to vulnerable seniors at increased risk for natural gas leaks due to their reduced sense of smell.

While our team continues to work toward widespread awareness and education and to provide assistance to communities impacted by natural gas explosions, everyone must contribute to safeguarding their homes and communities, including but not limited to the installation of functioning natural gas alarms in any home using natural gas as a power source.

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